Corey

Smith

Smith, a 2000 first-round pick, just barely received a spot on Cleveland’s 40-man roster last winter and he appears to be borderline again this year. The Indians still like his offensive upside, but he hit only .249/.347/.419 and he committed 37 errors in 125 games at third base for Double-A Akron last season. The 22-year-old is not helping himself by failing to get an early start on his position switch.

Maybe that permanent switch to the outfield should have taken place a little sooner. Smith was already certain to begin the season in the minors.

The former first-round draft pick has never reached the major leagues and is doubtful to get that chance with the Pale Hose. He has a .752 career OPS in the minors.

We don’t like this trade for San Diego. Smith isn’t a third baseman and while some still think he has offensive upside, we doubt he’ll hit enough to contribute as an outfielder. Gautreau is the better bet for the future. Smith could be due for another year in Double-A after hitting .249/.347/.419 for Akron last season.

Smith has been the unsung hero in the Surprise lineup’s amazing start. The former first-round pick of the Indians is 12-for-23 with three homers and 10 RBI in six games. If he keeps this up, it’s possible that the Padres could decide to put him back on their 40-man roster prior to the Rule 5 draft. He cleared waivers when the team removed him from the 40-man roster in June.

The Padres should have kept Jake Gautreau. Smith, who was acquired from the Indians in February, has hit .261/.321/.395 with 81 strikeouts in 76 games for Mobile.

Smith, was cleared waivers after being removed from the Padres’ 40-man roster last week, is batting .251/.315/.422 in 370 AB for Double-A Mobile. The 2000 first-round may still have some offensive potential, but since he’s a poor defensive third baseman, he’s not very likely to have a career.

The Indians gave some thought to leaving Smith, a 2000 first-round pick, off their 40-man roster, making him available for the Rule 5 draft, but they decided against it. Although it doesn’t appear that the 21-year-old will ever become a solid defensive third baseman, he still has some offensive upside.

Smith entered the game batting just .213 in 15 games. The 2000 first-round pick spent this year at Double-A and hit .271 with nine homers and a 737 OPS in 473 at-bats. He’s just 21, so those numbers aren’t bad at all. Smith’s defense at third base still leaves a great deal to be desired and a switch to the outfield is a possibility. He’s at least two years away from the majors.

Smith, a 2000 first-round pick, still has offensive potential, but his numbers have been poor and his problems on defense are finally set to move him off third base this year. He should go unclaimed.